LIU XIANG AND ROBLES CLASH IN AVIVA GRAND PRIX – By David Martin

Former Olympic 110 metres hurdles gold medallist Liu Xiang and reigning champion Dayron Robles will clash for the first time since their explosive head to head at last summer's World Championships in Daegu.

Robles initially won that encounter but was stripped of his victory after the jury of appeal adjudged he had struck  Liu Xiang with an elbow as they battled towards the finish line which saw the Chinese star elevated to silver medal position.

Now the pair of superstars will face each other indoors  in the 60 metres hurdles at the Aviva Grand Prix in Birmingham on Saturday a confrontation which could prove to be the highlight of the sell out meeting.

Liu Xiang dismissing there is ill feeling between himself and his Cuban opponent told the China Daily: "I don't think he did anything wrong in Daegu. Those kind of things always happen in a competitive race.

"It's normal. We are both professionals. And most importantly, we are friends. We have competed against each other so many times."

Liu Xiang training hard and eager to regain his Olympic crown in London this summer, added: "This New Year I didn't go back home at the Chinese New Year on January 23, which was the first time for me.

The 2004 title winner emphasised:  "I stayed with my team-mates, training hard, preparing for the Olympics."

Liu Xiang added:  "I will compete in some indoor meets in February before the World indoors in Turkey, where I hope I could gain beautiful memories since this will be one of the most important IAAF competitions before the London Olympics."

Robles who will be defending his WIC title and looking forward to his match up with Liu Xiang at the National Indoor Arena, said:  "Birmingham is due to have a good field so it'll be good for me.

"This year is clearly important for me. I'm doing everything I can both in and out of competition to make sure that I'm competing at my best.

"I'm planning to run at the World Indoor Championships, and of course I want to hold on to the Olympic title. We'll need to see what the other guys bring to the race."

Meanwhile Vivian Cheruiyot the reigning World 5000 metres and 10000m champion who was due to take part in the 3000m has withdrawn because of a bout of flu.

"I need to take a few days off to recover so I can resume training as soon as possible in this important year," the Kenyan told organisers.

David Martin